Road trip!

Have you taken a road trip?  Packed up the car and hit the open road?  Wind in your hair, sun shining down, feet up on the dashboard, snacks on hand and map on the front seat?

It's a great feeling to strike out, ready for new experiences and great adventures.  We always head out highly optimistic and extremely confident.  We never anticipate problems, and even if its suggested, we assume we will handle it in stride.

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Inevitably, as is a common occurrence on road trips, it is easy to take a wrong turn, hit the wrong exit or get turned around in a loop.  Do you remember that moment? Did you hear a small voice, get an itchy feeling, or just suspect that something wasn't quite right?  The road signs were suddenly foreign, the anticipated roadside markers missing? 

The warm light that washed over the road and landscape suddenly fades and the unfamiliarity and anxiety of possibly being lost cast a dark and menacing shadow.

And yet, we continue on for a stretch doubting the warning signs.  Dissatisfied, disappointed, we wonder why the journey isn't all that we had hoped or imagined.  Reason tells us to pull off, ask directions, or maybe even turn back? 

But we can be unreasonable.  Uncompromising.  So certain in our error, we pave our own road to unhappiness.

God is our navigator.  His is the voice that tells us when we have gone astray.  When you sense uncertainty, when your surroundings are not familiar, and when you've lost your peace - that's God's subtle nudging that you have wandered from His perfect path. 

He wills us to abandon that wayward road.  He wants us to release our troublesome and burden filled plans and follow Him.  He has promised to stay right beside us as he leads us down the right paths, of scenic green meadows, carefree rambling brooks and peaceful streams, as we abide in His will.   

That sounds great to me.

Lord, be my navigator, return me to the golden landscapes and gentle breezes, the sweet hum and sun kissed potential of the promised path.  Let us journey side by side,  Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me,  for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:4-5